3. 703 Portage Court_COA 2025-0526 PACKET

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HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION OF SOUTH BEND AND ST. JOSEPH COUNTY Phone: 574/235.9371 Fax: 574/235.9021 Email: hpcsbsjc@southbendin.gov SITE VISIT REPORT: Staff have made multiple trips to 703 Portage Court (including 5/7/2025 and 6/5/2025) to inspect various elements of the home. Upon our first inspection, it was noted that there are areas of significant damage to the roof, gutters, and soffit. Administrative approval 2025-0508 was issued for 703 Portage Court, permitting the replacement of the roof with new architectural shingles, the restoration of existing soffit and rafter tails, the replacement of damaged soffit or rafter tails with matching material in like and kind, and the replacement of the deteriorated gutters. During these site visits, Staff also noted areas of the front porch that were sagging, the presence of replacement vinyl windows on most of the upper floor, broken glass in many of the boarded lower win- dows, sections of the walls that need repair, and more. The rear vestibule appears to not be original, though it may be an early addition. It is sagging and leaning severely. The front door is missing its original glass, has no interior molding, and due to its construction, may require a detailed and potentially cost prohibitive restoration. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff is in favor of the following more minor elements: (1) the installation of glass block in several basement window openings, (2) the replacement of sagging portion of the front porch floor- ing with treated wood, and (3) the repointing of needed areas in the foundation and chimney. Staff notes that the preferred mortar used for a house of this age would be lime mortar or type O mortar. Staff welcomes the owners’ plan to retain as much as possible of the original siding, while replacing segments that are missing or exceedingly deteriorated with red cedar to match. Staff notes that lead safe practices should be followed for the painting of the siding. Regarding the replacement of original windows on the first floor, many of these windows would need restoration to function and be secured. In this instance, Staff believes that a balance should be struck between the preservation of the original material and the practicalities of investment in a long-vacant home. Staff believes that promoting the feasibility of investment in this property is, in the long run, promoting its preservation. Therefore, in this case, Staff is in favor of vinyl replacement windows, with the stipulation that should the windows need to be replaced in the future, aluminum-clad wood windows or wood windows be used. The same principles apply to the replacement of the front, original door. Detailed restoration would be required in order to keep the door in working order. Staff feels that the compromise of donating the door or retaining it on site is an appropriate one. Lastly, Staff is in favor of the removal of the rear, leaning vestibule. Any future plans for a porch or deck in the rear should also follow the same Certificate of Appropriateness approvals process. Based on the information provided prior to this public hearing, Staff makes a FAVORABLE RECOMMENDA - TION, given that the appropriate mortar type is used and that the original door and any salvageable window sashes are either donated to a salvage shop or retained on site. Prepared by Kate Himick, Historic Preservation Specialist